Records: Incoming Councilman $127K Behind On Taxes

[The Critic]

http://www.theindychannel.com/news/26081388/detail.html

Records: Incoming Councilman $127K Behind On Taxes

Republican Set To Take Office In January

MADISON COUNTY, Ind. -- Some are questioning the integrity of an incoming Madison County councilor who owes more than $127,000 in back taxes and penalties.

County records show Rick Gardner, a Republican elected to the Madison County Council in November, owes $127,986.77 on 21 properties dating back several years.


Gardner's campaign website reads, "Rick knows firsthand what it takes to be successful. If elected to County Council, Rick intends to apply the same business sense to local government where serving the taxpayer is as easy as simple budgeting. If you're in the hole, you don't spend what you don't have."


Darlene Likens, the county treasurer and chairman of the Madison County Republican Party, said via e-mail that the county was working to resolve issues with Gardner's properties before putting them up for sale.


Gardner refused requests for an interview Thursday, but told Kenney over the phone that he believes he actually owes closer to $70,000.

[The Critic]

A deadbeat Republican candidate elected.  What is up with the local Republicans?

[The Critic]

And what's up with the Herald Bulletin?  Why did WRTV have to be the one to belatedly break this story after the election?